WAM outlines veterans, youth and public‑art programs during Surprise presentation

Connie Whitlock, founder and head janitor of the WAM Art Association, told the Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission on May 5 that WAM has operated in Surprise since 2006 and runs a wide array of community programs including veterans art classes, teen programming and public-art projects.

WAM’s programs serve multiple age and ability groups and include monthly veterans classes with a free meal, adaptive and special‑needs art sessions, Saturday kids classes, summer camps and teen workshops. Whitlock said the organization also runs recurring public‑art projects and an artist gallery space that rotates exhibits monthly.

The nonprofit has been operating a gallery and studio complex in a city‑owned building that WAM uses for community classes and exhibitions. “WAM has been around a long time,” Whitlock said. “I started WAM in 02/2006.” She described partnerships with neighboring cities and nonprofits, and noted WAM’s role in placing and maintaining public artwork around the West Valley.

Whitlock highlighted programs that target specific needs: an 11‑year veterans art program that includes free lunches, a monthly veterans plein‑air event and outreach to senior centers; an adaptive art drop‑in (typically third Thursdays) that provides one‑to‑one sessions for young adults with special needs; and a youth poet‑laureate initiative to develop teen voices and monthly open‑mic opportunities. She said WAM provides stipends and scholarships for teaching artists through a funds pool they call “Apples for Art.”

Nicholas Flowers, identified in the presentation as gallery manager and marketing manager for WAM, will lead outreach and the WAM on Wheels program that brings make‑and‑take activities to parks and community events.

Commissioners praised the breadth of WAM’s offerings and encouraged continued partnership with the city on promotions and volunteer support. The commission and WAM members discussed expanding class offerings, adult education, and a possible facility expansion to accommodate demand.

WAM also shared details of community projects the group has organized: a recycled‑art fashion show; a community leaders painting party; pottery-based Bowls of Hope fundraisers benefiting local facilities; public‑art installations, some of which the city has now confirmed it owns; and a growing literary arts program that includes oral‑history efforts.

The presentation closed with Whitlock thanking the commission for city grants and building support and asking commissioners to continue promoting WAM programs.

WAM contact and program schedules are available through the organization’s posted information and the city’s arts pages. The commission did not take any formal action on the WAM presentation during the meeting.